Countless individuals have been subjected to unfair and unjust treatment at work in relation to a medical disability. Businesses in Florida can require employees to possess the ability to perform work-related tasks. In some cases, however, a disabled individual who is fully capable of performing duties is still targeted or retaliated against by his or her employer. A woman in another state has recently filed a claim against her former employer in relation to alleged disability discrimination and retaliation.

While working for a local assessor's office, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and was forced to undergo hip replacement surgery. While her condition had an impact on her balance and ability to walk, she asserts that she was still capable of performing her duties. Despite not exhibiting any signs that would indicate otherwise, she was asked to undergo a medical examination to continue employment.

The request was rescinded because it would have been in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. However, she claims her employer wrongly accused her of being slow and spending too much time in her vehicle, and used this to force an examination, which reportedly determined she would be able to continue with the company provided certain accommodations were made. According to the claim, the company declined to meet these requests, and she was placed on administrative leave and eventually released.

Disability discrimination is far too common and has caused many capable individuals to lose employment over the years. Those who are forced to endure such a stressful and intimidating process often speak with an attorney for advice on how to proceed. An experienced attorney in Florida can evaluate the situation and assist a client in filing a claim against the party or parties deemed culpable of discrimination.

Source: chronline.com, “$900,000 Tort Claim Against Assessor's Office Alleges Discrimination, Retaliation“, Justyna Tomtas, June 17, 2017